On the western edge of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, Marble offers a secluded vacation spot to escape the crowds of nearby ski resort areas. Found 40 miles south of Glenwood Springs along paved Highway 133, the town covers less than a half-mile of road in the White River National Forest. No cell phone service reaches the remote area, and communicating with the outside world can be accomplished by stopping at the town's sole pay phone or by dropping a letter in its only mailbox. Experience a true away-from-it-all camping adventure with a stay at one of two quaint campgrounds that hearken back to yesteryear or at secluded locations tucked away in the forest.
Bogan Flats Campground
- Bogan Flats Campground lies on the banks of the Crystal River on the outskirts of Marble. The highly-used campground is booked during much of its May through September season, so you’ll want to make reservations early. Eight of its 37 campsites are wheelchair-accessible, and paved roads and spurs in the campground make it easy to get around. The campground is designed for tents or RVs up to 40 feet long. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire rings. Water is available, but there are no hookups or dump station.
Mari Daes
- Camp just across the street from the town's General Store at Marble at Mari Daes RV Park. The campground features sites suitable for tents or any size RV with a dump station and electric and water hookups. Rinse away the day’s adventure in the hot showers, let the kids play on the swing set, or get to know your fellow campers around the communal fire pit. The campground has gravel parking and roads.
Dispersed Camping
- Venture into the White River National Forest along one of the forest roads near Marble and set up camp at a site of your choosing. Scenic dispersed sites are found along the road to Crystal City and beyond. You can drive your RV or vehicle up to 300 feet from the road as long as you do not cause damage to the environment and keep your camp at least 100 feet from any trails or waterways. You can stay at your camp for up to 14 days before you will need to break camp and move on.
Backpacking
- Strap on a backpack and head out for an overnight backcountry adventure on the Carbonate Creek Trail No. 1971. The trail begins in Marble directly behind Beaver Lake Lodge and winds into the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Register for your free backcountry permit at a kiosk at the trailhead, and carry the permit with you on your hike. Use Leave No Trace ethics and camp only on durable surfaces where you won’t damage fragile vegetation. Your camp must be more than 100 feet from the trail and any waterway and must be at least one-quarter mile below the treeline. No campfires or wheeled vehicles are allowed, and you must bury or remove your solid human waste.
